Nurse Champions Research Articles

Utilization of the Nurse Champion Model to Improve Developmentally Supportive Positioning in the NICU.

This evidence-based project was implemented and evaluated the impact of using the nurse champion model to increase compliance and facilitate best practices for developmental positioning in the NICU. Education provided by a newly developed nurse champion team reinforced the knowledge and skills needed to use developmental positioning. Measurements included compliance with documentation about positioning, nurse champions' effectiveness, and intent to use the nurse champion model. Participants included twenty-five female NICU registered nurses with varying levels of experience. The focus was on nurses caring for preterm infants that were 35 weeks or less. Electronic medical record data indicated compliance with developmental positioning for the target population. A postimplementation survey indicated participants supported use of nurse champions to implement change. The nurse champion model influenced change in electronic medical record documentation of developmental positioning and support for nurse champions.

Facilitators and Barriers to the Implementation of a Digital Pain Assessment Tool in Pediatric Oncology Practice: A Qualitative Evaluation of a Quality Improvement Project.

Background: Most children and adolescents with cancer experience acute pain, and many experience longer-lasting chronic pain, negatively impacting health-related quality of life and resulting in long-term morbidity. Digital apps can aid in enhancing pain assessment and management by offering children and adolescents with cancer an accessible tool to describe their pain as a multifaceted biopsychosocial construct. Pain Squad is a useable, acceptable, and psychometrically sound multidimensional cancer pain assessment app for children and adolescents with cancer. This project aimed to evaluate the capacity to implement Pain Squad into routine pediatric oncology practice. Method: Nurse champions were asked to prescribe the Pain Squad app to patients over a 6-month implementation period. After the implementation period, we conducted audiorecorded, semistructured interviews with nurse champions to investigate the facilitators and barriers related to nurses' experiences with implementing Pain Squad. Results: The facilitators and barriers to Pain Squad implementation were organized into four overarching Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR)-related themes: (a) characteristics of the Pain Squad app; (b) clinic setting and its context; (c) nurse implementation champions; and (d) the process of implementing Pain Squad into clinical practice. Conclusions: Interviewed nurses believed Pain Squad had the potential to improve child cancer pain care, but barriers to everyday use were evident, described in relation to the internal setting, especially the lack of compatibility between app prescription and current nurse workflows. The use of CFIR to map identified implementation facilitators and barriers can formally support the recognition of factors that may boost the chances of successful uptake.

Failed implementation of a nursing intervention to support family caregivers: An evaluation study using Normalization Process Theory.

To evaluate the failed implementation of the Carer Support Needs Assessment Tool Intervention for family caregivers in end-of-life care, within a trial context using Normalization Process Theory (NPT). An evaluation study was conducted to learn lessons from our trial, which was not successful due to the low number of participants. The evaluation study utilized various data sources, including published data from interviews and questionnaires, and unpublished data derived from emails and conversation notes. Data were retrospectively collected. Thematic analysis was conducted guided by the NPT framework. This framework emphasizes that successful implementation of an intervention relies on its 'normalization', consisting of four constructs: coherence, cognitive participation, collective action and reflexive monitoring. Coherence (sense making): Nurses felt the intervention could contribute to their competence in assessing family caregivers' needs, but some were unsure how it differed from usual practice. Cognitive participation (relational work): Nurse champions played a crucial role in building a community of practice. However, sustaining this community was challenging due to staff turnover and shortages. Collective action (work done to enable the intervention): Nurses felt the Carer Support Needs Assessment Tool training enabled them to improve their support of family caregivers. However, contextual factors complicated implementation, such as being used to a patient rather than a family-focused approach and a high workload. Reflexive monitoring (appraisal of the intervention): Positive experiences of the nurses with the intervention motivated them to implement it. However, the research context made nurses hesitant to recruit family caregivers because of the potential burden of participation. Although the intervention demonstrated potential to assist nurses in providing tailored support to family caregivers, its integration into daily practice was not optimal. Contextual factors, such as a patient-focused approach to care and the research context, hampered normalization of the intervention. Assessing and considering contextual factors that may influence implementation of a complex care intervention is needed. The NPT provided a valuable framework for evaluating the implementation process in our study. What problem did the study address? This evaluation study analysed the factors that promoted or hindered the implementation of a nursing intervention to support family caregivers in end-of-life care. What were the main findings? Both the intervention and the intervention training have potential and value for nurses in providing tailored support to family caregivers. However, the implementation faced challenges due to organizational factors and the research context, including recruitment. Where and on whom will the research have an impact? This insight is valuable for all stakeholders involved in implementing complex nursing interventions, including researchers, nurses and funders. This study has adhered to the relevant EQUATOR guidelines: Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research (SRQR). There was no patient or public involved. The trial was prospectively registered on the Dutch Trial Register (NL7702).

Abstract TP59: Cultivating Stroke Nurse Champions Through Shared Governance

Background and Issue: Shared governance (SG) is an organized forum where bedside nurses are engaged in decision-making about professional practice, QI, and research to improve patient outcomes. Nursing engagement in SG has been linked to promoting improved nursing and patient outcomes. At a CSC, nurses did not have an organized forum to collaborate across units to develop EBP standards in the stroke population. Bedside nurses had limited knowledge of QI methodology and were unsure how to organize cross-unit projects. Purpose: To implement a SG forum aimed at improving the quality of care and patient outcomes in the stroke population through nursing engagement, collaboration, and effective communication. Methods: The Stroke Nurse Champion (SNC) Committee was assembled in November 2020. A charter was developed to organize the meeting. Members include bedside nurses, educators, managers, supervisors, stroke coordinators, nurse practitioners, and a CNS. Meetings were held monthly virtually and in person. The project outcomes were to (a) develop nurse practice standards, (b) enhance nursing education offerings, and (c) develop cross-unit stroke care QI initiatives. Results: SNCs developed and implemented local and corporate initiatives by reviewing literature, identifying barriers, recommending solutions, and identifying data to support evaluation. Initiatives included the creation of practice standards defining nursing assessments for the stroke population, implementation of the Yale Swallow Protocol, optimization of the EHR to address inefficient documentation of nursing assessments, and revision of written patient education to address literacy and grade levels. Peer-led in-hospital stroke alert case reviews prompted the implementation of a QI project to decrease time-to-treatment. To improve adoption of standards, unit-based checklists, tip sheets, stroke boards, and bedside resource books were developed. Conclusion: The SG forum provides a platform for effective collaboration across nursing units among bedside nurses and nursing leaders to develop practice standards, analyze data, identify QI initiatives, and enhance education.

Nurse Champions: Transforming Evidence-Based Practice

Nursing practice in an organization result from the leadership processes developed for the profession. It is reflected in the performance of nurses in interprofessional teams and the quality of care they provide to patients. Evidence-based practice (EBP) refers to decision-making in the development and delivery of health care services according to the best available research evidence, the experience of health care providers, and the values and preferences of patients. The adoption or implementation of EBP by organizations can lead to safer practices, better outcomes for individuals, and lower healthcare costs. In the literature, "champions" have been identified as determinants and agents of change to ensure adoption within institutions.

38 Key to Success to Improve Best Practices: A Nurse Champion to Increase Institutional Use of Procedural Pain and Distress Management Strategies

Abstract Background Procedural pain and distress management are essential when providing medical care to children. Quality improvement (QI) initiatives need to be developed to improve the knowledge of healthcare providers (HCP), increase their adhesion, and improve care. The Tout doux project is an institutional QI initiative aimed at improving procedural pain management. Since studies have shown that nurse champions are facilitators in implementing best practices, a procedural pain nurse champion (PPNC) was a key part of the Tout doux QI initiative. Objectives The aim of this project is to assist HCP in the reduction of children’s procedural pain and distress by increasing their use of procedural pain and distress management strategies with the support of a PPNC. Design/Methods For each sector, the PPNC organizes meetings with medical/nursing heads to coordinate and adapt local deployment and helps create a local, multidisciplinary Tout doux committee. Afterward, the PPNC collects data through audits of different procedures, on every shift, to assess the baseline use of pain management strategies. Those results are presented to the local pain committee to determine improvement needs. Then, HCP receive mandatory training through an e-learning module or official lectures to strengthen their knowledge and discuss barriers based on the traditional “4P” approaches to reducing procedural pain: Prevention, Psychological, Physical, and Pharmacological strategies. For 2 months, the PPNC gives field support to the team by providing direct coaching during procedures, helping to guide the local Tout doux committee, and consolidating new HCP knowledge into practice. After this period, audits are completed to evaluate these combined strategies. Results Between June 2021 and October 2022, the Tout doux project was deployed in 13 sectors. More than 400 audits were conducted pre-deployment. To date, more than 150-post deployment audits have been realized in 6 sectors. Results show improvement in the use of combined procedural pain and distress management strategies: from 160/234 (68%) of procedures using two or more strategies before the deployment, to 132/150 (89%) of procedures post-deployment (Table 1). To this day, more than 1500 HCP have received training throughout CHUSJ units and clinics. Conclusion Deploying the Tout doux project on procedural pain and distress management improved the combined use of coping strategies with the support of a dedicated PPNC. The next step will be to ensure its dissemination throughout the institution and further assess the long-term outcome on patients.

1271 A NOVEL PRESSURE INJURY CARE BUNDLE FOR DEPENDENT PATIENTS WITH PRESSURE INJURIES IN BERMUDA

Abstract Introduction Pressure injury (PI) management is a challenge in dependent patients in acute care wards (ACW) despite standard care (regular pressure relief measures, incontinence management, debridement, optimisation of hydration and nutrition). Method A Pressure Injury Care Bundle (PICB), introduced by the Department of Geriatrics, enhanced standard care by diligent and regular interdisciplinary team monitoring of patients with PIs following transfer to Long Term Care (LTC) wards and thus may improve outcomes. The PICB was delivered by multiple PI Nurse Champions with education of all nurse assistants and medical staff into PI aetiology/management. Progress was monitored with weekly PI measurements/photography and Nurse Champion-lead team review of all PIs. Data are presented as mean+/-1SD. After 96+/-103 days in the ACW, the PICB was applied to 30 consecutive patients aged 80+/-14 years, (19(60 %) were female). All had stage 2-4 PIs (present in 25(83%) on admission to ACW). On transfer to LTC wards, all patients had severe physical dependency with a mean Charlson Comorbidity Index of 7+/-3, 27(90%) had palliative needs and 24(80%) were bedfast. Cognitive impairment was present in 22(68%) patients with 12(37%) dying due to advanced dementia. Patients were followed for 116+/-274 days. Results PI improvement by >2 stages occurred in 11(36%) patients after a mean of 103 days. Ulcers closed fully after 154+/-48 days in a further 15(50 %) patients. However, new ulcers emerged or preterminal (<21 days prior to death) deterioration occurred in 5(17%) patients, related to severe contractures, preterminal poor nutrition and sarcopenia with 16(54%) patients dying. Conclusion These results suggest that an intensive multimodal intervention involving best practice enhanced by PI Nurse Champions and delivered by educated staff with regular PI team progress reviews results in significant improvement/healing of PIs in severely dependent patients with palliative needs. Expansion of the PICB to other wards with prospective evaluation has been planned.

199 A NOVEL PRESSURE INJURY CARE BUNDLE FOR DEPENDENT PATIENTS WITH PRESSURE INJURIES IN BERMUDA

Abstract Background Pressure Injury (PI) management is challenging for dependent patients in Acute Care Wards (ACW) despite standard care (regular pressure relief measures, incontinence management, debridement, optimisation of hydration and nutrition). A Pressure Injury Care Bundle (PICB), introduced by the Department of Geriatrics, enhanced standard care by diligent and regular interdisciplinary team monitoring of patients with PIs following transfer to Long-Term Care (LTC) wards and thus may improve outcomes. Methods The PICB was delivered by multiple PI Nurse Champions with education of all nurse assistants and medical staff into PI aetiology/management. Progress was monitored with weekly PI measurements/photography and Nurse Champion-lead team review of all PIs. Data are presented as mean+/-1SD. After 96+/-103 days in the ACW, the PICB was applied to 30 consecutive patients aged 80+/-14 years, (60 % female; 19/30). All had stage 2-4 PIs (present in 83% on admission to ACW). On transfer to LTC wards, all had severe physical dependency with mean Charlson Comorbidity Index of 7+/-3, 27(90%) had palliative needs and 24(80%) were bedfast. Cognitive impairment was present in 22(68%) patients with 12(37%) dying due to advanced dementia. Patients were followed for 116+/-274 days. Results PI improvement by >2 stages occurred in 11(36%) patients after a mean of 103 days. Ulcers closed fully after 154+/-48 days in a further 15(50 %) patients. However, new ulcers emerged or preterminal (<21 days prior to death) deterioration occurred in 5(17%) patients, related to severe contractures, preterminal poor nutrition and sarcopenia with 16(54%) patients dying. Conclusion These results suggest an intensive multimodal intervention involving best practice enhanced by PI Nurse Champions and delivered by educated staff with regular PI team progress reviews results in significant improvement/healing of PIs in severely dependent patients with palliative needs. Expansion of the PICB to other wards with prospective evaluation is planned.

Nurse champions as street-level bureaucrats: Factors which facilitate innovation, policy making, and reconstruction.

BackgroundNurse champions are front-line practitioners who implement innovation and reconstruct policy.PurposeTo understand through a network theory lens the factors that facilitate nurse champions’ engagement with radical projects, representing their actions as street-level bureaucrats (SLBs).Materials and methodsA personal-network survey was employed. Ninety-one nurse champions from three tertiary medical centers in Israel participated.FindingsGiven high network density, high levels of advice play a bigger role in achieving high radicalness compared with lower levels advice. High network density is also related to higher radicalness when networks have high role diversity.DiscussionUsing an SLB framework, the findings suggest that nurse champions best promote adoption of innovation and offer radical changes in their organizations through professional advice given by colleagues in their field network. Healthcare organizations should establish the structure and promote the development of dense and heterogeneous professional networks to realize organizations’ goals and nurses’ responsibility to their professional employees, patients, and society.

Strategies for the implementation of a nasal decolonization intervention to prevent surgical site infections within the Veterans Health Administration.

ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: NCT02216227.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Champion for Perioperative Services: A New Role

<h3>Background Information</h3> It is well-established that better inclusion and diversity practices in healthcare are needed to improve equity. Perioperative Services at the University of Rochester is a large department encompassing inpatient and outpatients surgeries across multiple facilities. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Champions exist at the unit level, and through the creation of a departmental Champion have expanded initiatives. <h3>Objectives of Project</h3> Create a departmental level Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Nurse Champion across Perioperative Services in order to support unit champions, expand initiatives, and lead to improved, measurable outcomes. <h3>Process of Implementation</h3> Create a Nurse Champion for Perioperative Services dedicated to DEI. 1.Conduct a staff needs assessment survey to determine perception of inclusion and clinical preparedness in DEI topics, provide targeted education, and identify opportunities for professional growth. 2.Offer interactive workshops to improve content knowledge, clinical practice, and inter-professional communication. 3.Assess changes in professional practice after workshop participation. 4.Expand DEI nurse champions across Perioperative Services. <h3>Statement of Successful Practice</h3> A role was created within Perioperative Services to support Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives at the departmental level. A departmental needs assessment survey was conducted which identified greatest areas for professional development. Through this, we began town hall presentations on DEI topics, i.e. intersectionality and fostered a partnership with the University's Office of DEI to offer theater-based workshops on implicit bias, privilege, and micro-aggressions. We provided trainings on best practices with transgender patients. We measured clinical and professional improvements using participant surveys. We developed a cadre of DEI nurses from different units within Perioperative Services. <h3>Implications for Advancing the Practice of Perianesthesia Nursing</h3> Creating a centralized RN role for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion across Perioperative Services leads to support for unit champions, more educational opportunities, and measureable outcomes in staff clinical preparedness, professional development, and sense of inclusion. These will contribute to overall improvement of staff resilience and patient outcomes in future studies.

Nurse champions as leaders for the implementation of CoACT Collaborative Care.

This is the first paper describing the unit level champion role in order to implement the Collaborative Care framework as an evidence-based practice in the province of Alberta. The clear selection criteria of Unit Lead, funding (.2 FTE) that allows for the dedication of the role, support with various education, coaching from the project management team, and community of practices were suggested as important factors for successful utilization of Unit Leads to implement quality improvement initiatives in a large scale. Future initiatives may consider using a peer-leader champion as a change agent who is committed to the change initiative, credible and personally connected to the unit staff, possesses knowledge about the organizational culture, and develops a unit-tailored strategy via performance monitoring data to fully implement an evidence-based practice for quality care.

Translating Evidence to Practice: A Multisite Collaboration to Implement Guidelines and Improve Constipation Management in Patients With Cancer.

Despite the high incidence of constipation in people with cancer, there is little research on management strategies for opioid-induced constipation (OIC). This project used the Plan-Do-Study-Act model to examine implementation of the Oncology Nursing Society GuidelinesTM to improve constipation management in patients with cancer. Nurse champions at four sites identified practice gaps, including providing education on OIC for patients who are new to opioids and increasing follow-up assessment. This project demonstrates that multisite, collaborative projects are feasible and may enhance patient quality of life and decrease anticipated complications.

Leveraging the Electronic Medical Record to Increase Distribution of Low Literacy Asthma Education in the Emergency Department.

Though low literacy asthma education is effective at reducing emergency department (ED) use, few interventions are administered in the ED. The aim was to increase the number of parents of children with asthma receiving education in the ED to 50% receiving written and 30% receiving video education over 12 months. Using quality improvement methods, the team planned interventions including improvement of nursing workflow and availability of written and video education. Nurse champions performed peer-to-peer education regarding educational materials and health literacy-focused communication. An asthma education order opening the nursing flowsheet, which linked to written and video materials and documentation was created. The order was placed in highly used ED asthma order sets. The percent of parents receiving written or video education was followed on statistical process control charts. Balancing measures included: ED length of stay, discharge length, 30 day ED return visits, and 365 day return visits with hospitalization. The mean number of parents receiving written education at baseline was 28% and improved to 52%. Special cause variation was noted after order roll-out. Video education increased from a baseline of 0% of parents receiving to 32% with special cause variation after order roll-out. No special cause was noted in balancing measures. Revisits with hospitalization within 365 days showed a decreasing trend after order roll-out. Implementation of workflow improvement, education, and the addition of a functional education order in an existing order set led to a meaningful improvement in distribution of a low literacy asthma education intervention.

B.E.L.T.TM: Framework for Nurse Champions to Successful Implement Sustainable Telehealth Services

B.E.L.T.TM: Framework for Nurse Champions to Successful Implement Sustainable Telehealth Services

Impact of nurse champion on quality of care and outcomes in type 2 diabetes patients.

Over 29 million people in the United States have diabetes, with an additional 86 million living with prediabetes. On inpatient hospital units it is estimated that 50% of admitted patients have diabetes as a primary or secondary diagnosis. Nurse champions have improved outcomes and quality of life for patients across different clinical settings. The purposes of this evidence literature review are to evaluate and synthesize evidence regarding the impact of a nurse champion model on nurses' performances and diabetic patient health outcomes. Nurse champions in this review also refer to clinical nurse specialists, certified diabetes educators, and clinical mentors. Search of evidence-based literature was conducted using PubMed, CINAHL, Ovid, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar databases. Keywords included Nurse Champion and Diabetes, Clinical Mentor and Diabetes, and Diabetes Educator. Search limits included date of publication within last 15 years, English language, and peer-reviewed journals. A total of 14 articles were included in the synthesis of literature with level of evidence ranging from I to V. The study designs of selected evidence fluctuate from randomized controlled trials (3), case studies (6), qualitative studies (2), systematic review (1), and quasi-experimental study (1). The synthesis of evidence indicated that implementation of a nurse champion model did not only significantly improve nurses' diabetic knowledge and skills, but also improved the health outcomes of diabetic patients including reduction in hemoglobin A1c levels, reduction in perceived Diabetes Distress Scale, quality of life improvement, reduction of number of near misses, decreased readmission rates, improved hypoglycemic outcomes, and greater weight loss in patients with type 2 diabetes. Improving diabetic patient outcomes could save the hospital a significant amount of money and create a higher standard of care across the healthcare field. Bettering patient outcomes are good not only for the patient but also the hospital and nurses. Implementation of nurse champion models into nursing practice could significantly improve patient outcomes and quality of life as well as nursing performance. Nurse champion models also can create new leadership roles in nursing.

A Technology Intervention for Nurses Engaged in Preventing Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections.

Catheter-associated urinary tract infections account for 40% of healthcare-acquired infections. This study explored the addition of cloud-based software technology to an established nursing quality improvement program to reduce catheter-associated urinary tract infections. Unit-based nurse champions evaluated peers' evidence-based catheter-associated urinary tract infection prevention practices using manual, paper-based feedback. That process achieved reduced rates of catheter-associated urinary tract infection over 18 months. However, it was resource intensive. Cloud-based software technology was introduced to replace the paper. Nurse champions' satisfaction, catheter-associated urinary tract infection and indwelling urinary catheter utilization, and prevention practices were compared before and after the technology intervention. Compliance with the provision of a chlorhexidine bath demonstrated improvement (P = .003), while other practice measures did not significantly change. The indwelling urinary catheter utilization ratio was lower (P = .01), yet the intervention yielded no change in catheter-associated urinary tract infection rates. The short time interval of the intervention was potentially a contributing factor in no significant rate change. Nurse champions (N = 14) were more satisfied with the cloud-based technology (P = .004), the clarity of improvement targets (P = .004), and the speed of sharing data (P = .001). Their time to share data decreased from 4 days or more to 1 hour or less. Nurse champions readily adopted the cloud-based technology. These findings suggest additional research on technology innovations for nursing quality improvement is needed.

695 - A Successful Approach to Developing Primary Palliative Care Nurse Champions on a Blood and Marrow Transplant Unit

695 - A Successful Approach to Developing Primary Palliative Care Nurse Champions on a Blood and Marrow Transplant Unit

Integration of Respiratory Services

Introduction : Key drivers for change: Management of respiratory conditions has historically been by secondary care in response to acute presentations. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is the 4th cause of death in New Zealand. New Zealand has the 2nd highest prevalence of asthma; high death rates due to this disease; 6 times higher for Pacific, 5 times higher for Maori, and respiratory conditions are responsible for 20% of acute presentations to ED. Short description of practice change implemented : The Respiratory Project aimed to form an evidence based pathway of integrated care for patients diagnosed or suspected with respiratory disease, encompassing accurate diagnosis, dedicated protected time for patient education enabling self-management and improved quality of life. Aim and theory of change : A shared passion has driven implementing early intervention lead by primary care, developing a competent workforce and removal of sector boundaries which enable primary care to be clinically responsive. A Nurse Led service was developed in primary care to support delivery of spirometry across 18 practices. The Respiratory Clinical Nurse Specialist and Breathe Hawke’s Bay Educators became mentors for practice nurses, the Respiratory Scientist (secondary) facilitated the upskilling of Practice Nurse Champions, endorsing accreditation of the quality spirometry services and investigation. The development of an advanced form included a diagnostic support and a care planning tool which is task managed. Nurses and patients facilitated joint care planning. Priority has been given to education of patients enabling good understand of their condition, empowerment to be active partners in their own health and well-being and improving their health literacy. Targeted population and stakeholders : Risk stratification of practice populations provided an assurance of reaching the most vulnerable. Patients, Practice Nurse Champions, Specialist CNS, Breathe Nurse Educators, Respiratory Scientist, Health Intelligence Team, all key stakeholders in the success of this programme. Timeline : Twenty-month pilot, now ‘business as usual’. Highlights : (innovation, impact, outcomes) An obvious growth in patient knowledge and quality of life Improved quality of services in primary care leading to greater equity of care Increase in spirometry services of 225% Decrease in secondary service referrals from 658(2012) to 28(2015) Decrease in bed days by 740 days Decrease in LOS, decrease in ED presentations/admissions Low DNA rate Comments on sustainability : Additional funding for primary care has removed the barrier of cost of accessing early intervention and protected time for patient education. Diagnostic software has assisted health practitioners to standardise best practice intervention ensuring accurate diagnosis, and progression to evidence based care planning, optimising medication, and improving quality of life. Comments : (comprising key findings) Change management drove itself once staff recognised the benefits to all concerned but particularly for patients. Patient quote : The respiratory service has changed my life and given me back my independence and improved my quality of life. I didn’t think I would ever feel this good ever again’. Discussions : Model of care that is transferable and can be applied to any long term condition Lessons Learned : Priority of engaging patients as informed partners in their own health care

Sitting at the Bedside Can Improve Patient Satisfaction

To improve the patient experience by having health care providers sit at the bedside. Agreement was reached that all nurses should sit at the bedside to communicate with their patients at least once per shift. Staff deduced that this no-cost and easy to implement change in practice would make a positive difference in patient outlook and would increase patient satisfaction scores. The implementation would improve patient compliance, increase patient–health care provider rapport, and decrease costs and length of hospital stay. Nurse champions collaborated with leaders to educate staff by a train the trainer model. Striving to provide world-class patient care with the implementation of the evidence-based Commit to Sit initiative, monthly satisfaction scores increased from 66.67% to 96.49% in the month after implementation. Results were evaluated through informal leadership audits and patient satisfaction score trending. Positive effects were sustained, and the year ended with an 82.29% satisfaction score (the previous year ended with a score of 71.55%). This program highlights how collaboration between nurse leader and clinical nurses that turns knowledge into action can positively affect patient satisfaction and improve outcomes.